In 1995, songwriter/producer and representative for Atlantic Records Matt Serletic approached the members of Tabitha's Secret concerning a long-term record deal. However, Serletic was more interested in helping Thomas find his voice than he was in the band Tabitha's Secret. Jay Stanley and John Goff were uninterested in a long-term record deal, believing it was better to sign for a one-record deal and evaluate the situation following this record's release. Thomas, however, felt the band should take the offer.
The fact that Stanley and Goff were resistant to sign, alongside pressure from the record company to drop the two guitar players, Thomas, Yale, and Doucette decided it was best to part ways with the other members of the band. Splitting the band landed Thomas, Yale, and Doucette a two-record deal with Atlantic Records, which was later renewed. With their two guitar players gone, Atlantic introduced the trio to Adam Gaynor, a rhythm guitarist and Kyle Cook, a lead guitarist. The five now comprise Matchbox Twenty, a world-renowned band.
When Matchbox Twenty debuted its first album Yourself or Someone Like You, Jay Stanley sued for royalties, claiming he owned the rights to the song 3am which appeared on the newly released record. Stanley stated that he was paid for the original recording sessions of the song when it was performed by Tabitha's Secret (it's released on multiple albums by Tabitha's Secret). This lawsuit lasted five years and was settled in 2000.
Although the band never released any records while they were together, Jay Stanley released three albums after getting the rights to the recordings of Tabitha's Secret. He released a rough demo mix, "Don't Play With Matches" in 1998, to satisfy the hard-core fans and the "Live" record in 2000. Later, Stanley joined with Tony Miceli and engineer George Spatta to re-mix, re-master, and overdub the original recordings and put them into the album "Tabitha's Secret?" which was released in late 2001.
Here Comes Horses
Tabitha's Secret Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Well I feel just like the jester when the music died
Haven't seen you lately
But I know that northing's changed
Feeling kinda shaky but the wounds have healed
There's a crack there in the doorway where the walls have peeled
And I still see the sun go down
Chorus:
Here comes horses, there goes the rain
Here goes nothing, here it comes again
I was thinking I was angry but I'll let it go
I was waiting on a miracle but nothing showed
And they say our new messiah
Is at the local bar
Greetings from the home front have you heard the news
That daddy bet his paycheck on the horses shoes
And we won't feel that way
For a long, long time
[Chorus]
Sitting in a taxi at the evenings end
I was trying to remember where it was I'd been and
Whether I've got someplace else to be
I ask you why you come here you say just because
I guess I could do without it if I knew what it was well
It really doesn't matter
When you look at me that way
[Chorus: x2]
The lyrics of Tabitha's Secret's song "Here Comes Horses" touch upon themes of lost love, nostalgia, and forgiveness. The opening lines captures the regret and longing to hold onto memories of a relationship. The singer compares himself to a jester, a figure of mockery and entertainment, as he deals with the end of his love affair. But despite his feelings of sadness and uncertainty, he still holds onto hope and reminisces about their past love. He recognizes that he may seem lost and unsure, but he has healed from his injuries and accepts the cracks in the doorway, suggesting an acceptance of imperfection.
The chorus repeats the phrase "Here comes horses, there goes the rain, here goes nothing, here it comes again," which suggests the fickleness of life's events. The reference to horses can symbolize the unpredictability of life, as well as the excitement that comes with risks and chances. The rain can represent sadness and disappointment, but it also seems to pass quickly. Here comes nothing, also can mean that sometimes it feels like there is an absence of answers or forward motion. But, it also might mean how once we allow ourselves to let go of anger and resentment, everything becomes so much easier. The idea of repeating cycles and returning to the start show that maybe we cannot change everything that happens to us.
Later in the song, the singer reflects on his feelings of anger and disappointment, but decides to let them go. He mentions the "new messiah" being at the local bar, perhaps suggesting that people look for escape and guidance in places that might not necessarily offer a solution. The reference to betting on horses can also represent the need to take risks and chances on uncertain outcomes, despite the possibility of failure. The final lines of the song show a moment of beauty, where the singer and their love connect in a moment of unspoken communication, a look or a glance that seems to say everything that needs to be said.
Overall, “Here Comes Horses” is a thoughtful song that speaks to anyone going through loss, trying to make sense of the randomness of life, and looking for hope and connection.
Line by Line Meaning
Help me to remember girl if you don't mind
Asking for assistance to recall memories
Well I feel just like the jester when the music died
Feeling foolish and lost after something important has ended
Haven't seen you lately
Not having seen the person in a while
But I know that northing's changed
Despite the lack of recent contact, the relationship remains the same
Feeling kinda shaky but the wounds have healed
Still feeling uneasy, but the pain has subsided
There's a crack there in the doorway where the walls have peeled
Noticing a physical flaw that represents a larger issue
And I still see the sun go down
On a clear day
Finding beauty in nature despite difficult circumstances
Chorus: Here comes horses, there goes the rain
Here goes nothing, here it comes again
Expressing the unpredictable and cyclical nature of life
I was thinking I was angry but I'll let it go
Considering emotions but choosing to move on
I was waiting on a miracle but nothing showed
Disappointed by unfulfilled expectations
And they say our new messiah
Is at the local bar
Referencing societal expectations and beliefs in a sarcastic manner
Greetings from the home front have you heard the news
That daddy bet his paycheck on the horses shoes
Sharing a family situation that is both concerning and entertaining
And we won't feel that way
For a long, long time
Finding relief in knowing that difficult times will come to an end
Sitting in a taxi at the evenings end
I was trying to remember where it was I'd been and
Whether I've got someplace else to be
Reflecting on the past and questioning the future
I ask you why you come here you say just because
I guess I could do without it if I knew what it was well
It really doesn't matter
When you look at me that way
Exploring the complexities of relationships and the importance of non-verbal communication
[Chorus: x2]
Repeating the chorus to reinforce the theme of uncertainty and change
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: BRIAN YALE, JOHN GOFF, JOHN JOSEPH STANLEY, ROB THOMAS, ROBERT THOMAS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Funckinnutcase
I was sitting behind the soundboard, with Jay, at Fullsail when this was recorded. God does this song bring back memories. No matter how many times I listen to this song, it'll never be enough.
@jaredcurtis
Funckinnutcase I played in a band with Goff, the other guitarist. Very nice guy 👍
@lindaholland630
One of my favorite songs of all time ❤️
@caramason56
Absolutely beautiful album 😊🎶❤️😊🎶❤️
@caramason56
@@SquishySarah wow, I have to listen to it again.😊
@caramason56
@@SquishySarah Just listened, funny how you miss things like that 😆
@LMBKing28
Its about time someone posted this song (in good quality) One of Rob Thomas's best songs! thanks!
@brendapearce8425
I ABSOLUTELY agree with you! (I see I’m 10 years late with this reply). Goes to show ya what amazing music does to a person’s soul! Love Rob Thomas! His music is soooo full of emotion and will live on as long as time. Thank you sooo much Rob for sharing your talent and making us all feel the way you do with your music. Love ya always.
@jillianfrewin4658
Fabulous thanks one of my fav RT/pre-mb songs !!! ♫really doesn't matter when you look at me that way♫..... yep !
@darwinsvideos
Rob Thomas is, I believe, the one true music God. lol. Tabitha's Secret, Matchbox Twenty, or simply Rob Thomas Solo....Can't get better than that.